Cowboys Film Room: Rod Smith’s breakout
Comparison: Richie Anderson, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys
In case you don’t remember who Richie Anderson was, he was one of the better hybrid running backs in the 90’s and early 2000s. Anderson played nearly his entire career with Bill Parcells and was utilized as both a running back and as a fullback. Like Smith, Anderson was an adequate runner but thrived in the passing game (at the age of 32, he caught 69 passes in 2003 for the Cowboys). He was similar in size (listed at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds) and was able to carve out a nice 12-year career with the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys.
Anderson was a Parcells’ favorite because there was nothing he couldn’t do on the football field. He could protect his quarterback. He could get the tough yards on the ground. He could block as a fullback. And was one of the better screen backs in the early 2000s. He could even pass a little bit if you asked.
Comparing Smith to Anderson might seem like a little bit of a disappointment, but that type of player is incredibly useful in today’s NFL. Running backs who don’t have any massive holes in their game and that can be flexed out wide are in limited supply. The Cowboys wanted Lance Dunbar to be that type of player for them, but he couldn’t stay healthy nor could he run well enough inside to scare defenses. Dunbar also couldn’t hold up in pass protection and that just so happens to be where Smith thrives.
Per Pro Football Focus, Smith has a pass-block grade of 77 this year, which puts him eighth among running backs. And according to the site’s signature stats, Smith has yet to allow a pressure on 23 pass-block attempts. Impressive.
Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time
Ultimately, Smith’s best role in the NFL is going to be as a second or third running back. As talented as he is, he’s just not experienced enough as a runner to become a work-horse. He can handle 6-12 carries a game, but he isn’t someone you want to make your feature back. But as a reserve player, he is incredibly valuable. He can contribute on the ground, as a blocker, and as a receiver. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith has taken snaps at running back, slot receiver, outside receiver and as a tight end this season.
With Ezekiel Elliott on the roster, Smith will never become a true “No.1 running back”. But that’s okay. He is going to contribute in other areas (including on special teams) to help the team win. Is there a chance he becomes the next David Johnson and proves that he can handle a bigger workload and can maintain is ridiculous yards per touch average (6.12) from the 2017 season? Sure. But for right now, the Cowboys will be more than thrilled if he can become their modern version of Richie Anderson.